IPAC Training
It’s the term used in healthcare to help us understand the types of bacterias and organisms that can make people sick and how those things get transmitted.
What is IPAC?
IPAC stands for Infection Prevention and Control. It’s the term used in healthcare to help us understand the types of bacterias and organisms that can make people sick and how those things get transmitted. But most importantly this information can tell us how we can prevent transmission and properly clean equipment and surfaces to protect ourselves and our clients.
During COVID it became apparent that there was a gap in knowledge in the doula profession as IPAC hadn’t been a topic thoroughly covered in doula training. At that time our insurer required us to establish learning requirements for this important topic. Since then the board has realized this topic is not simply important during a pandemic but ALWAYS. Therefore part of your membership application will include the requirement to show that you’ve obtained this necessary knowledge. This is required to be done every 5 years.
IPAC Courses
Below are several options available (some at cost and some at no cost) for obtaining an IPAC certificate. Please note that you are NOT obligated to choose from this list and we’d love to hear if you’ve found another option to add to this list!
Learning Hub
- Cost: FREE
- Time commitment: ~1 hour
This course was created for healthcare workers in BC. You will be required to sign up for an account. You will get a certificate of completion once you’ve completed the course.
Note: Accepted for AOD IPAC requirement
Doula Canada
- Cost: $75
- Time commitment: 1-1 1/2 hours
This is an IPAC course designed for birth workers specifically. Successful completion of this course will give you a certificate of completion that will satisfy the AOD requirement.
Public Health Ontario
- Cost: FREE
- Time commitment: 1-2 hours
Public Health Ontario has launched a new IPAC course. The modules need to be completed in order for the next module to be unlocked.
Instructions: Copy and paste “IPAC for Health Care Workers” into the LMS search engine once you login or browse the course catalogue.
Upon completion of Modules 1-3, learners may register for a fourth module from one of the following; 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, or 4E that aligns with the health care setting most relevant to them. To successfully complete the course, learners must achieve a score of at least 80% on the final graded quiz at the end of their fourth module. They need to complete the 4 modules in order to receive the certificate of completion. The first module walks you through the process, course content, and how to access your certificate. It will take folks 60-90 minutes to complete.
Whether you're interested in a new career, or adding further support to your existing business, becoming a doula has never been more exciting!
Experiences Shared by Our Doula Community
“My AOD membership has been a valuable investment for my business. The website listing generates regular referrals, and those clients more than cover my membership and insurance costs. I’ve also been a webinar facilitator and participant in previous AOD hosted webinars, which are great learning opportunities for the doula community.”
“Being listed with the Ontario Association of Doulas has been genuinely helpful in my practice. I’ve had several clients reach out specifically because they found my profile through the AOD directory, particularly those who were looking for added reassurance around professionalism, legitimacy, and comfort in their decision-making. Having that platform available has supported those clients in feeling more confident as they choose the right doula for their family. “